Chef Brad Kilgore Will Open The Bonacker in San Francisco
The new seafood restaurant is scheduled to debut at 568 Sacramento St. in early 2027.
Updated on Sept. 23, 2026 in Dining Out
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Chef Brad Kilgore plans to launch his new seafood concept, The Bonacker, at the former site of Leo's Oyster Bar in early 2027. The project will feature a 40-seat dining room and a 15-seat bar area located at 568 Sacramento St.
Why it matters
The opening marks a return to the city for Kilgore, who previously operated three local restaurants in the Transamerica Pyramid before their closure in May 2026. The chef chose this specific location due to its proximity to his former business ventures.
The Bonacker will occupy the space at 568 Sacramento St. with a combined capacity for 55 diners. Planned menu highlights include fresh-shucked oysters and hot lobster rolls paired with lobster bisque.
The players
Brad Kilgore
He is an established chef who previously operated multiple restaurant concepts within the Transamerica Pyramid Center.
Ken Fulk
He is a noted designer who will handle the interior renovation of the new restaurant space.
The details
Designer Ken Fulk has been tapped to oversee the renovation of the historic storefront. The establishment will focus on high-end seafood, featuring signature items like lobster rolls prepared with a rich bisque of San Marzano tomatoes, cream, and coconut milk.
Timeline
Kilgore opened three original San Francisco businesses between late 2024 and early 2025.
The chef's previous three restaurants closed in May 2026.
Leo's Oyster Bar permanently closed in July 2026.
The Bonacker is scheduled to open its doors in early 2027.
Culture Shift
The arrival of The Bonacker follows a pattern set by the July 2026 closure of Leo's Oyster Bar by repurposing a high-profile, vacated dining destination. This move reflects the ongoing turnover in San Francisco's hospitality sector where legacy sites are frequently reimagined by new culinary talent.
Local diners can expect a new seafood option in the Financial District, shifting the availability of high-end raw bars in the neighborhood. Patrons should look for daily happy hour service once the restaurant begins operations in 2027.
The takeaway
The return of a prominent chef to a familiar neighborhood highlights the resilience of the local restaurant scene. Residents should keep an eye on upcoming renovation milestones for news regarding reservation availability.
Further reading
For more updates on local food trends, visit our Dining Out section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by San Francisco Chronicle.
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